Ah, potatoes – the quintessential comfort food that never goes out of style. As a lifelong potato lover and seasoned home cook, I’ve experimented with countless ways to enjoy this versatile vegetable. But when it comes to creating a side dish that’s both utterly delicious and impossibly easy, nothing beats the crispy, golden delight of smashed potatoes. In this post, I’m excited to share my go-to recipe, along with some personal tips and tricks, that will elevate your potato game to the next level.
Whether you’re planning a cozy family dinner or hosting a casual gathering (you should try pizza crackers as well), these smashed potatoes are guaranteed to impress. So, let’s get right to it and talk about what you’ll need, how to prepare them, and how to store any (unlikely) leftovers.
Smashed Potatoes
Ingredients
Before we start smashing our way to potato bliss, let’s make sure you’ve got all the necessary ingredients on hand. This recipe is as straightforward as it gets, but the right ingredients will make all the difference.
- Baby potatoes – 2 pounds (about 1 kg)
- Olive oil – 3 tablespoons
- Fresh garlic – 4 cloves, minced
- Kosher salt – to taste
- Black pepper – to taste
- Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, or parsley) – chopped, for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese – optional, for topping
Instructions
One of my favorite parts of this recipe is how hands-on it gets. Smashing potatoes not only creates an amazing texture but also serves as a brilliant stress reliever. Here’s how to prepare these beauties:
- Start by preheating your oven to 450°F (230°C). This high heat is key to achieving those much-loved crispy edges.
- Wash your baby potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt. You want them clean since their skin is part of the crunch appeal!
- Boil a pot of salted water and cook the potatoes until they are tender but not falling apart – usually between 15 to 20 minutes.
- Drain the potatoes and let them cool slightly. No burned fingers on my watch!
- Take a baking sheet and drizzle it with half of the olive oil.
- Place the potatoes on the baking sheet with enough space between them.
- Now, for the fun part: grab a potato masher (or the bottom of a glass) and gently smash each potato until it’s flattened but still in one piece.
- Drizzle the remaining olive oil over the smashed potatoes and sprinkle them with minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Pop the tray in the oven and roast for about 25 minutes, or until you see a crispy, golden color you can’t resist.
- Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle with fresh herbs and grated Parmesan, if using.
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Tips for Customization
Here’s where you can put your personal spin on the recipe. I love adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick or a squeeze of lemon juice for a tang. Feel free to play with other seasonings or toppings – crumbled bacon or a dollop of sour cream, perhaps?
How to Store
On the off chance that you have leftovers, you’ll be happy to know that smashed potatoes reheat wonderfully. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge, and when you’re ready to reheat, pop them back in a 350°F (175°C) oven until they’re warm and crispy again.
Conclusion
I hope this recipe becomes a staple in your kitchen as it has in mine. Perfecting smashed potatoes is all about embracing simplicity and high heat. Don’t forget, the best recipes are the ones you make your own, so feel free to switch up herbs and toppings as you please.
Foodies, home cooks, and especially potato lovers, I’d love to hear how your smashed potatoes turn out. Tag your masterpiece on social media, or better yet, invite me over for dinner!
FAQs
Q: Can I use regular-sized potatoes for this recipe?
A: While the recipe calls for baby potatoes for their tender skin and quick cooking time, you can use larger potatoes, cut into smaller chunks. Just make sure they are uniformly sized for even cooking.
Q: Are smashed potatoes gluten-free?
A: Absolutely! Potatoes are naturally gluten-free, making this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities – just ensure any toppings you use are also gluten-free.
Q: Can I make smashed potatoes ahead of time?
A: For the best result, I recommend serving them fresh out of the oven. However, you can boil the potatoes ahead of time and smash and roast them right before serving.
Remember, food is all about experimentation, fun, and sharing. Go forth and smash with confidence!
